They went to the settlement.
People stared.
Not because Clara was a stranger anymore.
Because she walked beside Gideon with her hand tucked into his arm.
Because he smiled when she spoke.
Because the great mountain man who had once lived like a ghost now had a wife who laughed loudly enough for everyone to hear.
The shopkeeper asked Clara how she liked Montana.
She smiled.
"I love it."
Gideon looked at her.
"You do?"
"Yes."
"Even the winters?"
She shuddered.
"Let's not exaggerate."
He laughed.
The sound surprised everyone.
Especially him.
Clara looked up.
"You laughed."
"I know."
"Do it again."
"No."
"Please."
He shook his head.
She smiled.
They bought flour, coffee, lamp oil, and a small box of ribbons.
On the ride home, Clara tied one of the ribbons around Ash's neck.
The dog looked offended.
Gideon laughed again.
Clara grinned.
"Twice in one day."
"Don't tell anyone."
"I will."
"I'll deny it."
"You can't."
"Why?"
"I'll have witnesses."
He looked at her.
"You've become dangerous."
She smiled.
"You knew that when you married me."
He leaned closer.
"I did."
They reached the cabin before sunset.
Gideon unloaded the supplies.
Clara went inside.
Then she stopped.
On the table was a small wooden box.
She looked at Gideon.
"What's this?"
He came inside.
"Open it."
She did.
Inside was a pair of pearl earrings.
Simple.
Beautiful.
She stared.
"When did you buy these?"
"In town."
"For me?"
"Yes."
She touched them.
"I thought you didn't notice things like this."
"I notice everything."
She smiled.
"Thank you."
He nodded.
Then she looked deeper into the box.
Beneath the earrings was a folded piece of paper.
She opened it.
A few lines were written in Gideon's rough handwriting.
Clara,
I don't know how to write this.
But I know this.
When you arrived, I thought you were the wrong woman.
I was wrong.
You were the first right thing that ever happened to me.
She read it twice.
Then looked up.
Gideon was watching her.
Her eyes filled.
"You wrote this?"
"Yes."
"You're getting better."
"At writing?"
"At saying what you mean."
He nodded.
"I'm trying."
She crossed the room.
She wrapped her arms around him.
He held her tightly.
Outside, the wind moved through the trees.
Inside, the fire crackled.
She whispered against his chest.